With the world recovering from WW2, Volvo decided to build a popular car. That car was the PV 444. The PV letters are from the word “Perssonvagn” wich in Swedish means literaly “personal car” or, in a more accurate translation “Car for the people”. Just like “Volskwagen”. The first “4” referred to the numbers of occupants it could take. “44” was related to the year of launch. The car was later called 544 due to the new and bigger and continuous seat that could take 3 persons. The biggest visual change was the transition from a split to a one-piece windscreen.
The car was also built in Pick-up, estate and Cabriolet shapes.
Being an incredibly strong and reliable car, it was not only a commercial but also a competitive success. Between 57 and 64, the “Hunchback” (as it was nicknamed on some markets) had great success on rallying, winning many major events and being 3 times European Rally Champion.